Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2005.1.204 |
Object Name |
Photograph |
Date |
06/06/1899 |
Description |
A black-and-white school photograph features 18 children and their teacher, Miss Harriet Montgomery, in front of an open window and a brick wall. Two boys in the front row are holding up a chalkboard sign that reads, "S.S. No. 17 Toronto Township June 6th, 1899." Some of the children are holding bouquets of flowers, while others have flowers pinned to their outfits. The back of the photograph identifies the students as follows: "Front Row - 1. Dora Hamilton 2. Jack Eakins 3. Pearl Hamilton 4. Edgar Switzer 5. - - - 6. Flossie Arnott / 2nd Row - 1. Mary McLean 2. Ella Arnott 3. Annie Eakins 4. Ethel Hamilton 5. Lena Cook 6. Myrtle Eakins / Back Row - 1. Wilbert Leslie 2. Elmer Leslie 3. Garnet Hamilton 4. George Rutledge 5. Will Arnott 6. Wilmer Hamilton 7. Teacher: Miss Harriet Montgomery." |
History |
This is a class photo of children from S.S. #17 in Toronto Township, historic Mississauga, also known as Eden School, named after a nearby Methodist Church of the same name. Located near Derry and Argentia, it served the communities of Meadowvale, Lisgar (Switzer's Corners), and Harris Corners. The school originated as a log building in 1823 on Lot 11, Concession 5 WHS, initially serving as a prayer hall for Methodists and later as a schoolhouse on John Switzer's property. By 1835, the log building had been replaced with a hewn log structure. In 1847, a 30x26-foot red-brick schoolhouse was constructed. The school featured double desks, two blackboards, and was heated by a central stove. In 1887, a new red-brick school was built nearby, likely the one pictured in this photograph. The children were taught by Harriet Montgomery, who was the teacher between 1898 and 1900. Teachers earned around $250 annually by 1885, and attendance varied with farm work seasons. The school closed in 1960, and students transferred to Meadowvale Public School. The school was demolished in 1993. This photograph represents a cross-section of some of the most well-known and respected families in northwestern Mississauga. Many of the pupils came from Methodist farming families along Concession 5 (WHS) in historic Mississauga. Students would likely have been the grandchildren of early settlers who founded many of the early hamlet communities in historic Mississauga. For example, the Arnott children were from Whaley’s Corners; the Eakins, Leslies, Rutledges, and even Miss Montgomery all lived in and around Streetsville; and the Hamiltons and Switzers were from Switzer’s Corners (Lisgar). The Leslie family is credited with building Leslie Log House (now home to the Streetsville Historical Society), which Wilbert Leslie purchased in 1924, while Edgar Switzer was one of many Switzer children who attended Eden School on the property originally owned by his own grandfather, John Switzer. Many of the students went on to serve their communities in various capacities. For example, John Eakins fought in the First World War, while his sister Myrtle was a local librarian, and George Rutledge served as a postmaster in Cooksville. Others found love, such as Mary Helena Cook, who married fellow classmate Garnet Hamilton. Unfortunately, there are many other stories of lives cut short and destinies unfulfilled. For instance, Dora Hamilton died at the age of 10, Mary McLean at age 17, and even Miss Montgomery passed away at the age of 28, serving as a teacher until her final days. For the students of S.S. no. 17, Eden School was a place to not only learn but also make lasting connections within their communities. |
People |
Arnott, Florence Gertrude Arnott, Mary Ellen Arnott, William James Cook, Mary Helena Eakins, Annie Violet Eakins, John Watson Eakins, Myrtle Olive Hamilton, Dora Fay Hamilton, Ethel Irene Hamilton, Garnet Charles William Cecil Hamilton, Pearl Ivy Louvilla Hamilton, Wilmer Ansel Leslie, George Elmer Mackay Leslie, Wilbert McLean, Mary Jane S. Montgomery, Harriet Rutledge, George Christopher Thompson Switzer, Edgar Mason |
Site |
S.S. #17 Eden School |
Search Terms |
Harris' Corner Lisgar Meadowvale |
Relation |
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